Wheeler Proposes Weakened Mercury Regulations

Mercury emissions are a common by-product of coal-burning power plants — an industry which the Trump administration has shamelessly supported despite its proven effects on the climate.

The World Health Organization (WHO) considers mercury to be among the top ten most threatening chemicals to public health.

Even low-level exposure over a prolonged period of time can cause developmental damage to fetuses in utero, and in larger doses or more sustained exposure, it can cause serious damage to the nervous, digestive, and immune systems as well as many vital organs.

His decision to do so comes on the heels of the EPA’s announcement that it will terminate the Office of the Science Advisor, a position which was created to provide the EPA director with sound scientific advice.